How the Euro Works

There are seven euro bank notes. Their design was also the result of a contest. Designers were nominated by the national central banks, and the competitors turned out designs for the seven bank notes based on either the theme of "Ages and Styles of Europe" or an abstract modern theme.

Robert Kalina of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank won the competition. His designs were selected at the Dublin European Council in December of 1996. He based his designs on the theme of seven important architectural periods in Europe's cultural history.

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The seven bank notes are printed in different sizes and shapes for easier identification. Here is what they look like: